Sharks head coach discusses high standards, expectations of success

In an interview with Texas Soccer Journal ahead of Corpus Christi FC's inaugural season in 2018, head coach Sammy Giraldo praised the community's excitement and support for its newest club.

“There is a lot of passion in the community. This is a perfect time [for a new team] with what is going on locally and nationally too,” Giraldo told Texas Soccer Journal. “I am stopped absolutely everywhere and the number one comment I hear is that we are excited because we always wanted soccer here and there has never been that opportunity.”

Appointed by club owner and president Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo shortly after the founding of the team, Giraldo brings a deep knowledge of the Corpus Christi community to the head coach position. After moving to the U.S. from Colombia, Girlado lived in and played soccer in Corpus Christi during his formative years and continued to coach there after his playing career, forming a high-level developmental program for boys and girls with his brother.

“We understand the challenges ahead of us," Giraldo said. "That being said, we have very high standards of ourselves. We want to put a product on the field that plays exciting football to watch and exciting football to play.”